Conversations with Yaya Aksarapak Bondu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yaya Aksarapak Bondu.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The Phukaw’s story began back in 2008 at the Fairfax and Melrose Trading Post. Every Sunday, my daughter Pearl and I would wake up early, load up the car, and wait in line to set up our little booth. We displayed Thai clothing and handmade pieces, not knowing how people would react. To our surprise, so many visitors showed genuine interest and appreciation for Thai culture—it gave me the encouragement to keep going week after week.

After about three or four years at the market, we felt it was time to take the next step. We opened our first storefront on Main Street in Santa Monica. That was such a proud moment for us. A couple of years later, we moved to Hollywood Boulevard in Thai Town, where we’ve been able to continue growing and connecting with the community.

Over the years, The Phukaw has become a place for people to celebrate culture in meaningful ways. We’ve dressed brides and grooms for their weddings, provided traditional outfits for festivals and temple ceremonies, and even collaborated with productions and stylists. What makes me happiest is when people walk into the store and tell us it feels like stepping into Thailand again.

Through it all, my daughter Pearl has been by my side, helping me with customers, styling, and sharing our story. What started as a small booth on Sundays has now become something much bigger—a space where we keep Thai traditions alive here in Los Angeles.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely hasn’t been smooth. Starting something new is always scary, and for me the first challenge was the language. When I first went to the Fairfax trading post, I couldn’t explain very well what I wanted to do. It was frustrating because I knew what I had in my heart, but I didn’t always have the words to express it.

Another struggle was helping people understand the value of Thai clothing. Everything we sell is handmade and one of a kind. The fabrics are old and precious, and they come from Thailand. But sometimes people would compare them to regular clothes and say, “Oh, this is too expensive.” They didn’t see the work and the tradition behind it. That was hard for me, because I wanted them to understand it’s not just fabric—it’s history, it’s culture.

When we moved our store to Thai Town, people even asked me, “Why here? Why sell Thai clothing in Thai Town? Thai people won’t buy it.” And honestly, at first I was worried too. But later I realized it was the best decision, because our community needed a place like this. People came for festivals, weddings, even film productions. It showed me that sometimes you just have to trust the process.

And of course, the pandemic was the hardest struggle of all. We had to close our doors, bring everything home, and for a while I really thought it might be the end. But with Pearl’s help, we started again. And in a way, the struggle gave us something new—we turned it into not just a clothing store, but also a food place, where people can enjoy both fashion and flavor from Thailand.

Every challenge has taught me something. Even though the road has been bumpy, it has also been full of love, support, and lessons that keep me going.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The Phukaw actually began with tribal clothing. The name “Phukaw” itself means mountain, and that’s where our roots are—from the hill tribes of Northern Thailand. When we first started at the Fairfax and Melrose Trading Post, all we sold were traditional garments from tribes like the Hmong, Akha, Yao, Karen long-neck, and others. These pieces are very special because the fabrics are often 30–40 years old, made by hand, and carry a history within every stitch.

We source these garments directly from Chiang Mai and surrounding areas in Thailand. By purchasing from the original makers and families, the money goes back to support those communities. Once we bring them here, we carefully clean and sometimes modify them into modern pieces so that people in Los Angeles can wear them in their daily lives. It’s a way of keeping tradition alive but also adapting it to today’s world.

From there, The Phukaw grew. We began offering Thai wedding outfits, and later expanded into the world of pageantry. Now, in addition to clothing, we also provide full-service support for beauty pageants—everything from gowns to makeup, photography, and training. Pearl and I work closely with the contestants, helping them with styling, presentation, and confidence. Some of our girls have gone on to compete in major competitions like Miss Asia USA, and even international stages like Miss Thailand World and Miss Universe Thailand.

What makes me proud is that The Phukaw has become more than a store—it’s a cultural space. We started with tribal clothing, and now we celebrate Thai traditions through weddings, pageantry, and everyday wear. What sets us apart is that our work doesn’t just dress people—it connects them to identity, heritage, and pride. When someone walks out wearing one of our outfits, I know they are carrying a piece of culture with them, whether it’s from the mountains of Chiang Mai or the stage of a world-famous pageant.

What were you like growing up?
Ever since I was young, I’ve always been drawn to art and design. I loved creating things with my hands—sometimes it was arranging flowers, sometimes it was playing with fabrics and patterns. I found so much joy in turning something simple into something beautiful. That love for creativity never left me.

Later, I studied Thai dance with a minor in Thai language at Chandrakasem Rajabhat University. Thai dance is very connected to costume, movement, and culture, so in many ways my studies deepened my appreciation for traditional fabrics and design. It taught me that clothing is not just about fashion—it carries meaning, history, and identity.

Looking back, I think my personality has always been very artistic and also very proud of my culture. That’s really what led me here. The Phukaw grew out of both of those passions: my love for design and my desire to share the beauty of Thai traditions with others. For me, it’s never been just about making or selling clothes—it’s about telling a story, keeping traditions alive, and letting people experience a little piece of Thailand no matter where they are.

Pricing:

• Wedding Attires $350-$7000
• Tribal Clothing $50-$1000
• Evening Gown $350-$4000
• Jewelry $25-$4000
• Shoes $65-$100

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thephukawla.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thephukaw/?hl=en

Image Credits
Tamarat Suwanmongkol (Tonk Shooter)
Act Vinai
James Giovanni Pan
Korakot Yampan